history

100 years ago Juliette Gordon Low made a historical phone call to Miss Nina Anderson Pape, a distant cousin, and the principal of a local girls’ school—“Come right over, I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah and all America and all the world and we’re going to start it tonight,” she said

On March 12, 1912, eighteen (18) girls gathered and registered for the first troop of American Girl Guides. One year later, the name of the organization was changed to Girl Scouts. Juliette Gordon Low believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. With the goal of bringing girls out of isolated home environments and into community service and the open air, Girl Scouts hiked, played basketball, went on camping trips, learned how to tell time by the stars, and studied first aid.

Within a few years, her dream for a girl-centered organization was realized. Today, Girl Scouts of the USA has a membership of over 3.2 million girls and adults, a significant growth from its modest beginnings nearly a century ago. In fact, more than 50 million women in the U.S. today are Girl Scout alumnae. We invite you to learn about our robust organization and its rich history. From our willingness to tackle important societal issues, to our commitment to diversity and inclusiveness—Girl Scouts is dedicated to every girl, everywhere.

More than 50 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood—and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts of the USA continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere.

“My purpose…is to go on with my heart and soul, devoting all my energies to Girl Scouts, and heart and hand with them; we will make our lives and the lives of the future girls happy, healthy and holy.”